‘Cotton Eye Joe’ Forces an Interruption Out of Nowhere as Bizarre Scene Unravels in American WTA Star Jessica Pegula’s Dominant Encounter Against Iga Swiatek
Follow Us
We have often seen rallies being stopped midway in tennis. Hindrances and wrong line calls are the most common reasons behind the midway stoppage of rallies. External reasons are very rare and when they interrupt the play, it is bound to become massive news. Recently, in the Canadian Open semi-final between Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula, the rally was interrupted in the most bizarre and unexpected manner.
The two players locked horns for the highly-anticipated clash on a warm afternoon in Montreal. Pegula made back-to-back finals in Canada after upsetting the World No.1 Iga Swiatek. However, the highlight of the match was from a moment where neither party could claim the point.
Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula interrupted in the middle of a rally
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Pegula was off to a flyer in the semi-final. She bagged the first set 6-2 and did not let the Pole settle in. However, the World No.1 fought back like the champions always do. She was far from her best yesterday, but she took the match deep. After dragging the set to a tie-break in the second set, she found herself trailing 3-4. It was at that moment when the incident took place.
In the rally, Swiatek was getting inside the line and pushed Pegula to the backcourt with a sharp forehand. When she approached the net, Pegula answered with a defensive lob. The World No.1 backpedaled to get to the ball, but the point was stopped right there, as an American country folk was played via the speakers. It was Rednex’s popular song ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ that had interrupted the play.
Trending
After Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s Cold Shoulder, Fans Turn Against Coco Gauff as She Fails to Justify Her WTA Rankings
May 09, 2024 11:22 AM EDT
10 Years After Backing Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Now $10 Billion Undertaking, Snoop Dogg Receives a Heartfelt Note
May 06, 2024 11:05 AM EDT
Serena Williams Drools Over Sister Venus’ Met Gala Behind the Scenes Glam With an Endearing 2-Word Message
May 08, 2024 11:05 AM EDT
‘She Was Hot’- Camila Giorgi’s Shock Tennis Retirement Prompts American Legend to Pay Heart-Felt Tribute to Her Legacy
May 09, 2024 05:59 PM EDT
Italian Open: Naomi Osaka Mocks Herself in Praise of New-Age Stars Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka as She Unveils Tennis Wish
May 09, 2024 07:21 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
no way 'Cotton Eye Joe' comes on mid-point pic.twitter.com/iCYf3hwnPG
— Ryan (@Some1NamedRyan) August 12, 2023
Naturally, the incident ruined Pegula’s momentum. However, the gritty American eventually managed to seal the deal in three sets.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Cotton Eye Joe delayed Pegula’s win
The American player was leading in the tie-break when the incident took place. However, after the players were forced to replay the point, she looked slightly out of sorts. She lost four points in the bounce and conceded the crucial set.
However, Pegula was in no mood to back down easily. She regrouped herself and stayed on serve for entirety of the deciding set. When Swiatek had to serve to stay in the tie, the Pole succumbed and handed over the game, set and, of course, the match to the American.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think that Pegula would have sealed the tie in two sets if not for the interruption? Let us know in the comments.
WATCH THIS STORY: Despite Sister’s Pregnancy, 42-Year-Old Venus Williams Comes Up with A Bold Revelation On Serena Williams’ ‘Walloping’ Power – ‘Don’t Wanna Ruin It…’
Edited by:
Mitali Dey